Sustainable Development of Vernacular Residential Architecture: A Case Study of the Karuč Settlement in the Skadar Lake Region of Montenegro

Irena Rajković (), Marija Bojović, Dušan Tomanović and Lemja Chabbouh Akšamija
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Irena Rajković: Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro, Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona b.b., 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Marija Bojović: Faculty of Architecture, University of Montenegro, Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona b.b., 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
Dušan Tomanović: Faculty of Technical Sciences, Department of Architecture, University of Priština in Kosovska Mitrovica, ul. Knjaza Miloša 7, 38220 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
Lemja Chabbouh Akšamija: Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo, Patriotske lige 30, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-28

Abstract: Vernacular architecture and its responses to natural factors through architectural patterns are recognized as expressions of bioclimatic principles and national architectural responses to location. The vernacular architectural heritage of architecture is one of the most important factors in preserving and developing the cultural identity of a nation. Through research on the vernacular architecture of the coastal area of Skadar Lake, our goal is to recognize and potentially valorize the local traditional characteristics of authentic houses as ecological building patterns, which also express the fundamentals of sustainability principles. Although examples of vernacular architecture are disappearing due to contemporary globalization, and a mere imitation of motifs from past periods occurs, the historical specifics of architectural expression remain the inspiration and catalyst for future achievements based on the idea of preserving the local and regional recognizability of architecture. This research resulted in a redefinition of vernacular, bioclimatic concepts in a way that preserves construction techniques, which basically have an ecological approach, and, at the same time, provides modern solutions with bioclimatic concepts. The case study conducted on the village of Karuč in the area of Skadar Lake presented in the paper contributes to revealing the potential of bioclimatic principles and the energy rehabilitation of vernacular architecture in order to revitalize it through a new contemporary architectural expression. This study’s contents propose revitalization solutions at two levels of the following: settlement and typical houses. The study also aims to create a model, that is, a modern expression of a characteristic Karuč house, with improved functionality and energy characteristics for national architecture. Identifying all the basic building patterns, including the positioning of buildings, construction, the application of available materials, and the design of buildings, this paper presents conditions for the adequate valorization and preservation of authentic vernacular architecture and creates guidelines for further upgrades and the bioclimatic revitalization of vernacular architecture in a certain location.

Keywords: vernacular residential architecture; bioclimatic characteristics; cultural landscape; sustainable development; cultural heritage (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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